Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Fri 24 April 2026 12:40, UK

Barry Ferguson has leapt to the defence of James Tavernier when it comes to his Rangers legacy.

The Gers captain has announced his time at Ibrox is coming to an end, and he will depart following the expiry of his contract.

Tavernier’s time as captain in G51 has not quite been as trophy-laden as many of the men that have come before him.

However, ahead of Rangers’ title run-in, Tavernier has a chance to end his time by bringing the Scottish Premiership back to Govan.

Doing so would only strengthen his case in debates around his legacy, as Rangers are looking for a strong finish.

What has Barry Ferguson said about James Tavernier’s Rangers spell?

Tavernier’s announcement that he is to leave Rangers will end an 11-year spell in Glasgow.

The right-back has been a phenomenal servant and has captained the club to numerous honours throughout his time.

However, there are some out there who believe he did not win enough, and while expectations for Rangers should be high, Ferguson, who believes the criticism is harsh in that regard, is entirely correct.

Ferguson stated via the Daily Record: “It annoys me when people talk about him as some kind of failure. He’s been anything but.”

From one Rangers captain to another, Ferguson is right to defend Tavernier’s legacy, as it may actually stretch beyond silverware.

James Tavernier has helped put Rangers into a stronger position

Tavernier joined Rangers in 2015 at the end of a difficult time in the club’s history, with the Gers looking to reach the top flight for the first time in four years after going into administration.

It was not exactly a strong foundation for the Glasgow side to have as they looked to come back and compete for top honours.

Since Rangers’ absence, it allowed Celtic to create a monopoly over the Scottish Premiership.

However, Tavernier helped bring Rangers back to the top and would later captain them to their first title in ten years.

Then, while it was defeat in Seville, he brought the Glasgow outfit so nearly close to European silverware in the Europa League.

Tavernier did not join the Rangers of old that became synonymous with trophies under Walter Smith and Alex McLeish, but he will certainly leave the club closer to that version of them.

So his legacy may not be trophy-laden, but it is about restoring Rangers to the top of Scottish football, even if Tavernier does not win the Scottish Premiership this season.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.